Following a similar effort from 2011, Assemblywoman Galef is pleased to inform residents that New York State will apply a state sales tax exemption to all clothing, footwear, and related items costing less than $110. This tax-free offer was preceded last year by an exemption on clothing under $55; this year’s exemption will take effect on April 1.

Although the economy continues to grow stronger, the effects of the last few years still impact working and middle class families throughout New York. This exemption was enacted to alleviate financial stress placed on families purchasing necessary clothes and footwear. Taxpayers are expected to save over $200 million in 2012.

“Besides giving assistance to hardworking families, this exemption will also boost sales for local businesses by giving further incentive to shop, and will attract shoppers from out-of-state to do more of their shopping in New York” said Galef.

More information on this exemption can be found at the Department of Taxation and Finance website, www.tax.ny.gov.